Bridging the gap: Internet censorship data in political science

This article illustrates the value of internet censorship data in political science. Internet censorship is a complex phenomenon with different layers of control. Comparative research on internet censorship is challenging and messy, and often remains anecdotal. Computer scientists and network engineers do measure internet censorship but this data remains under-researched in political science. The purpose of this article is to bridge this gap. First, I give an overview of data sources on internet censorship. I examine what this data entails, and what this data can and cannot do. Second, I provide a typology of internet censorship data. I distinguish between technical measurements such as data from the Open Observatory of Network Interference and more interpretative data based on sources such as transparency reports. Third, I discuss how internet censorship data can be used in political science. I examine what this data means and for which kind of questions it can be used. I assess how we can combine this data with political science methodologies such as regression analysis, process tracing, and case study research. I discuss ethical considerations for political scientists when they use internet censorship data. I finally discuss a number of application examples.